Yavapai County traffic stop results in seizure of nearly 5 pounds of meth

On November 26, 2104, around 2:30 AM, deputies saw a black passenger car travelling in excess of 80 mph in a 65 mph speed zone on north I 17 in Camp Verde. The vehicle exited towards highway 260 and ran a red light as it entered the highway. Due to the violations, deputies stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, Marie Bonnesen, age 31 from Peoria. The vehicle also contained 2 passengers identified as Xavier Alaniz, 24 years of age from Goodyear, and Harley Partch, 20 years of age from Avondale.

In discussion with deputies, each of the occupants appeared deceptive when answering questions regarding travel plans and their relationship to each other. This, along with additional information developed during the contact, led deputies to believe the vehicle likely contained contraband in the form of drugs. Bonnesen declined a deputy’s request to search the vehicle.

Deputies contacted a certified K9 team from the Camp Verde Marshall’s Office who arrived and initiated an exterior K9 “sniff” of the vehicle. During the walk around, the K9 displayed an alert on the trunk area of the vehicle indicating an odor of illicit drugs. Based on the alert, deputies inspected the trunk and found nearly 5 pounds of packaged methamphetamine, a loaded 9mm handgun, prescription medications, and various drug paraphernalia items

All 3 of the vehicle’s occupants were arrested and booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges including Transportation of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of Dangerous Drugs, Possession of a Deadly Weapon during a Felony, and Weapons Misconduct. Bonnesen and Alaniz were also charged as Prohibited Possessors due to prior felony convictions. All three remain in-custody – each held on a $60,000 bond while the investigation is ongoing.